The Second Opinion
Angelo Reyes is dead because he knew a lot.He served too long in so many top positions. He knew so many game plans. He has to be in the top position in government from department to another probable he is a MOST VALUABLE PLAYER. Now he’s dead but his games are not over. But who is (are) the real master of these all? The expose’ on international funds passing through non-conventional routes, coming from “unknown” and known sources used to fund unknown programs and projects may lead to new and drastically unfolding scenarios: Mayor revamp in the leadership because of alleged anomalies that may trigger uncontrollable movements in the PNP and AFP. In a year of two, guess what’s next. The Pre-Noy Aquino Administration is not capable of containing these “movements”.These unfolding scenarios will complicate with the sluggish economy of the country. Big business and international economic arrangements that were key players in keeping the economy going during the Arroyo Regime are not as lively as they are before. The pro-people stand of the Pre-Noy Administration is not enough to keep people’s trust after a year without major changes in the our economy.
The Complaints and Action Center of the Iloilo City Government started its operation last August 31, 2010 catering to the people of the City of Iloilo receiving various concerns ranging from infrastructure, socio-economic, emergency, health, services, inquiries, among others.
Since the start of the Complaints and Action Center, most problems/concerns received were that of frequent power interruption which affected greatly the business sector; garbage collection problem; illegal structures; and businesses operating without corresponding business permits.
All complaints received were endorsed to the departments concerned and had been immediately acted upon by every concerned department/unit. Some complaints which had been acted upon even paved the way for a more insightful advantage to the City Government's programs especially during the times of field action dispatches in connection to resolving the complaints and problems being brought-up to the hotline system.
A. Random samples of complaints and issues brought-up to the City Government's attention through the Hotline and Feedback System:
Garbage collection problem in Mohon
Squatters along Mohon River
Illegal meat vendors at the Iloilo Terminal Market
Street lights/electrical wires hanging down the street at Bo. Obrero
Street lights at Hibao-an Norte, Mandurriao
Underground water drilling “tasok” of Mr. Arnold Bilbao of Hibao-an Norte, Mandurriao
Garbage collection problem at Bo. Obrero
Suggests repainting of pedestrian lane
Defective fire truck pump of Arevalo Fire Station
Unsolicited garbage across Tanza Church
Follow-up complaint on illegal meat vendors at Iloilo Terminal Market
Schedule of garbage collection at Landheights Phase I, Arevalo
Hand gun threat of a CVO at Brgy. Gloria
Illegal structure and illegal parking at a private lot in Housing, Mandurriao
Deep well construction at Brgy. Zamora, fronting TESDA office
Frequent occurrence of power interruption
Follow-up on garbage collection at Landheights Phase I, Arevalo
Follow-up on illegal structure/illegal parking at Housing, Mandurriao
Operation of a semi-depot & carinderia/videoke without corresponding Business Permit at tanza Timawa Zone I
No Business and Environmental Permit of “Uling” Vendor at Tanza Timawa Zone I
Environmental violation of Barbecue Park
Road obstruction at Cuartero Highway and Calubihan, Jaro
Road obstruction at Mejorada St., Mandurriao
Brown outs
Tanod outpost occupied by a family at Brgy. San Felix
MIWD water pipes leakages at Huervana St., Lapaz
Unutilized Tanod Outpost with stagnant water at Jalandoni St., Jaro
Conduct unprofessional and negligence of duty of Dra. Julie Baronda of Lapaz Maternity and Reproductive Health Center
Road obstruction occupying the pedestrian lane along Quezon St.
Follow-up on illegal meat vendors at Iloilo Terminal Market
Stagnant water along Lopez Jaena St., Jaro
Query/verification regarding the proposed Iloilo City College
No collection of garbage in some commercial establishments along Lopez Jaena St., Jaro for almost a month already
No garbage collection at LM Tinsay Building along Iloilo Terminal Market
No “Permit to Operate” of tasok of Mr. Arnold Bilbao of Hibao-an Norte, Mandurriao
Alleged operation of commercial sex den at Tanza Timawa Zone I
Conduct unbecoming of Ms. Clarence Panes of the City Assessor’s Office
Serious physical injuries & threat of Traffic Aide Nandin to jeepney driver Arsenio Ramos
Conduct unbecoming of personnels of San Pedro Health Center
Sari-Sari Store/Internet Shop operating with no corresponding Business Permit at Calaparan Zone 14, Arevalo
Public humiliation, threat & intimidation of Mr. Jose Pablo Asne of Task Force Anti-Jaywalking to two civilians
Tardiness of the employees of City Registry of Deeds
Road depression along San Isidro going to Sambag, Jaro
Overly noisy operation of Ulo-Ulo Resto Bar at Aurora Subdivision, Brgy. Villa Anita
Alleged electricity pilferage/mulcting of two personnel of Task Force Boltahe at Calaparan Zone 15, Arevalo
Follow-up on illegal structure/illegal parking at a private lot in Housing, Mandurriao
Senior Citizen’s discount dishonoured at Costco Drugstore
Garbage collection area and urinal post situated on a private lot at Infante, Molo
Decaying public waiting shed at Tanza Timawa Zone I
Public waiting shed turned Sari-Sari Store at Zone 2 Bo. Obrero
Cable and electrical wires hanging down the street along Gen. Luna St.
No street light in front of Spa Riviera
Follow-up complaint on Ulo-Ulo Resto Bar overly-noisy operation
Follow-up on Sari-Sari Store/Internet Shop operating with no corresponding Business Permit at Calaparan Zone 14, Arevalo
Heavy traffic at E. Lopez-Jalandoni Sts.
Suggests to utilize the City’s traffic lights
Follow-up on alleged electricity pilferage/mulcting at Zone 15 Calaparan, Arevalo
Suggestion to make ordinance to ban unsolicited delivery promo calls
Alleged police brutality at Lapaz PNP lock-up cell
Inconsistency in the implementation of the Anti-Jaywalking and Anti-Littering campaign
Frequent power interruption and unsatisfactory operation of the sole power distributor Panay Electric Company, Inc.
Follow-up complaint on the massive electricity pilferage in Zone 15, Brgy. Calaparan, Arevalo
Follow-up complaint about the illegal structure along Quezon-Delgado Sts. Particularly in front of Prime Grocer
Follow-up complaint regarding road depression along Sambag going to San Isidro, Jaro
Follow-up complaint regarding the Senior Citizen’s discount card not being honored at Costco Drugstore
B. Impressions and Observations:
Since the start of the operation of the Hotline and Feedback System, the interaction among the City Government's departments and units had been very positive. At least 10 feedbacks had been received by the Complaints and Action Center giving high commendations to the City Government's initiative of having a direct hotline operation center. One notable impression is the consistent responses and actions being undertaken by concerned City Government's Units/Departments in addressing the issues and problems being referred to them.
Some examples of positive outputs are:
The City Treasurer's Office was able to determine that there are business establishments which do not have corresponding business permits after complaints received by the hotline and feedback center where promptly forwarded to them. Some examples are the two internet shops and sari-sari stores in Brgy. Calaparan and Tanza City Proper which were found out to have been operating illegally on the City Government properties and without corresponding business permits.
Illegal structures and obstructions in Jaro District were promptly acted upon by the Task Force ASIS. Electricity pilferage and illegal connections to the city streetlight were decisively resolved by the Task Force Boltahe.
The garbage collection scheme in Landheights, Arevalo and complaints about the road depression (“lubak-lubak”) in Sambag, Jaro were instantly acted by the concerned government agencies to which the complainants were very grateful with the outcome.
Positive and prompt action made by the leadership of Iloilo City Police Office headed by Senior Supt. Dennis Basngi on the complaint of police brutality committed by one Police Inspector against a detained suspect at La Paz PNP Station. The family of the victim highly regarded the dynamic support provided to them by the leadership of ICPO.
Prepared by: Iloilo City Mayor's Complaints and Action Center Team Meanwhile, the Facebook link of the Iloilo City Government Official Website has been the crucible of public opinion exchange not just between the City Government and the people, but also among the people themselves. Issues which matter to the affairs of the community and the impressions of the people on the various programs and projects of the Mabilog Administration have been the dominant “spice of the cake”, so to speak.
Truly, there is no substitute for the most effective social barometer of gauging the effectiveness and efficiency of the performance of the government and state functionaries, and that is…. the people. Either affirming or dissenting, the collective views of the people provide a lucid definition of a prevailing social conscience; and every government must be sensitive enough to every beat and pulse of that so called social conscience for it to be faithfully viewed as people-oriented.
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER WELLS, RAINWATER COLLECTORS, DEVELOPMENT OF SPRINGS AND REHABILITATION OF EXISTING WATER WELLS IN ALL BARANGAYS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared to be the national policy to promote the quality of life of every Filipino through the provision of adequate social service including, but not limited to, the provision of adequate potable water supply made conveniently available to every barangay in the country.chan robles virtual law library
Sec. 2. Water Wells, Rainwater Collectors and Spring Development. — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall, within thirty (30) days after the approval of this Act, undertake construction of water wells, rainwater collectors, development of springs and rehabilitation of existing water wells in all barangays in the Philippines in such number as may be needed and feasible, taking into consideration the population, hydrologic conditions, costs of project development and operations, financial and economic factors and institutional arrangements: Provided, however, That the DPWH shall deduct not more than five percent (5%) for supervision, engineering, technical and other overhead expenses or fees: Provided, further, That each barangay in the country shall have at least one additional potable water source. chan robles virtual law library
Sec. 3. Operation and Maintenance. — In order to ensure the proper use of the water facilities herein provided, a Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Association, herein referred to as BWSA, shall be formed and organized for the purpose of maintaining the water facilities: Provided, That pending the organization of the BWSA, the water facilities shall be operated and maintained by the barangay council.
The BWSA shall be composed of the member-consumers who shall administer, operate and maintain the completed water facility and shall be registered with the corresponding municipal or city council. chan robles virtual law library
The BWSA may impose such minimal charges as may be necessary for the maintenance and normal repairs of said facility. Nothing herein shall prevent any resident of the locality from using the water facility under the same terms and conditions as the member-consumers of the BWSA.
Organizing and training the recipient communities in the operation and maintenance of water systems shall be conducted by the DPWH prior to the turnover of such facilities to the BWSA subject to the guidelines to be formulated by the Department. chan robles virtual law library
Sec. 4. Submission of Report. — The Department of Public Works and Highways shall, within ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act and every one hundred eighty (80) days thereafter, submit periodic reports to the respective Committees on Public Works and Highways of both Houses of the Congress of the Philippines for evaluation and consideration.chan robles virtual law library
Sec. 5. Funding. — The sum needed for the implementation of the construction, rehabilitation and repair program shall be taken from any available appropriations for the Department of Public Works and Highways in the General Appropriations Act for 1989: Provided, That funds for this purpose shall also be included in the General Appropriations Act for 1990 and 1991: Provided, further, That the total program shall be completed not later than June 30, 1991, and: Provided, finally, That there shall be equitable and proportionate appropriations of funds annually for this purpose for all provinces, cities and municipalities. In addition, a portion of financial grants and concessional loans extended to the Philippines by foreign governments and multilateral agencies every year, the amount to be determined by the President, shall be allocated by the Department of Budget and Management to augment the appropriations of the Department of Public Works and Highways until one hundred thousand (100,000) water wells, rainwater collectors, and springs are completed as envisioned in this Act.
Sec. 6. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect upon its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Prepared by:
AMELITA Q. GUILLERGAN
EEIU
Environmental Management Bureau
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Region 6
The 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools is now open. All interested schools may start submitting their school’s documentation of it eco-friendly program as advised by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources national and regional offices.
The Nationwide contest for eco-friendly schools program dubbed as “2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools” was launched as early as 2009 as a direct response to the Republic Act N0. 9512 also known as the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 calling for the cooperation and participation of schools all throughout the country paving the way for the competition on 2011. This is the Philippine initiative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan.
According to DENR Secretary Ramon J. Paje, “We intend to have the awarding of the search next year (2011) instead of this year (2010) to allow more time to prepare and to enhance their existing eco-friendly programs. We are hoping to encourage more schools to participate and take part in heightening environmental awareness among our youth.”
Open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels, both public and private, the contest is intended to give schools the opportunity to highlight their achievements and emphasize their active involvement in dealing with environmental issues and concerns at the local level. It is also aimed to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills as well as the understanding of students, faculty and school administrators to device ways and means to respond to various environmental issues and increase community involvement in combating environmental problems.
The national search is a joint activity of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications.
Participating schools must submit entries in three (3) hard copies to respective DepEd Division Offices for Elementary and High School categories. On the other hand, for College category, entries should be submitted to the nearest EMB Regional Office. The deadline for submission of entries is on April 29, 2011.
School entries should revolve around the theme, “Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives.” Participating schools should include a brief description of the Project.
Entries will be rated according to the following: Environment-related Aspects of the School’s Policy (20 pts.); Environment-friendly School Operation and Presence of Environmental Programs (30 pts.); Environment-related Features of the School Curriculum (30 pts); Presence of Vibrant Eco-Organizations in Campus (10 pts) and Presence of Partners and Linkages in Environment Programs/Projects (10 pts). Only one entry per school will be accepted.
For the national level, prizes include College, High School and Elementary: P 50,000-1st Prize; P 40,000- 2nd Prize; P 30, 000-3rd Prize and plaques of recognition. For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and a prize in cheque of P10,000 will be given to regional winners for each category.
All winning entries for each of the three categories, together with selected entries will be displayed during the national awarding ceremonies in November 2011, coinciding with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration.
For further details, please contact the Environmental Education and Information Division of the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR. Telefax (02) 9284674 or Tel.No. (02) 920225. Website: www.emb.gov.ph and www.sustainableschools.ph . Or contact EMB Region 6 Office, Tel No. (033) 3379801.
The residents of Ungca II, Pavia, Iloilo complained about the infuriating and annoying odor coming from the segment of Dungon Creek where the liquid industrial waste of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) or Coke Iloilo Plant is being drained. I joined in their complaint and personally endorsed their letter to the Regional Offices of the Environment Bureau of the DENR 6 and the Department of Health on December 15 and 16, 2010 respectively.
Dr. Samson Guillergan, Chief of the Pollution Control Division of EMB-DENR 6 acted immediately on the complaint and an investigation was conducted on December 22 and 28, 2010 by Benjamin O. Cuales, Jr. The Technical Conference was called on January 27, 2011 and presided by Atty. Johnathan Bulos. The CCBPI-Coke Iloilo Plant management staff, Punong Barangay of Ungka II, LGU-Pavia MENRO Officer and Municipal Health Officer, and we, the complainants attended.
The technical conference started with presentation of the report submitted by Mr. Cuales. The states that the investigationwas conducted on December 22, 2010 but because the Punong Barangay of Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo was not around, Mr. Cuales conducted an investigation at the Coke-Iloilo Plant. On December 28, he met Punong Barangay Julieta Mantilla and he further verified the creek where the foul odor emanates. It was stated in the report that odor is perceived only within the creek, but it was not pointed-out that there was heavy rain on the 26th of December until midnight. It was made clear in the letter complaint that the intensity of the odor is reduced during rainy days.
The complainants who are residents of the area were not informed when investigation was conducted. This prompted them to ask if who the people whom the investigator met are, interviewed and talked to during his investigation. It was explained that according to PB Mantilla there are 100 houses in the area and the investigator assumed that the 100 households directly drain their waste water into the creek. He assumed that these households averagely composed of five persons and 500 persons contribute 18.5 kilogram per day of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) load into the creek while Coke-Iloilo Plant discharge only 7.075 kilograms per day based only on December 2010 laboratory report.
The report did not present the year round average of the laboratory data on the company’s BOD load. It did not even state the physical and chemical composition of the liquid industrial waste or effluent being discharged by the company into Dungon Creek. Personally I refused to accept the assumption presented because only few households directly drain their waste water into the creek. He pointed out that the household along the abandoned railroad are the ones draining their waste water into the creek. This is not true because more or less two hectares lot covered with grasses and vegetation separate these households from the creek and there is no draining canal in it. Further, if we accept the data presented, then it would mean that Vice Mayor Guillermo Hisancha of Pavia, Iloilo, who happens to reside near the creek, is also draining his household waste water into the creek. This is not true and it is unfair for the complaining community to be accused of contributing much higher BOD load than that of Coke-Iloilo Plant using unrealistic figures.
The report also discussed about carinderia along the national highway in front of the Pavia People’s Terminal as contributor to the foul odor of the Dungon Creek but miserably failed to include the presence of the big hauler trucks and crews staying overnight in front of the Coke-Iloilo Plant. He reported only the flow rate of the liquid waste of the company which is 200 cu. meter per day but did not present the approved volume stated in the discharge permit granted and if the fees imposed on actual discharge volume has been paid to the government. Likewise, he stated that the company waste water is within the DENR EFFLUENT STANDARD but did not present the parameters or conditions set in the Discharge Permit of the company that is expiring in May 2011.
It was not made clear from the start that Coke was issued only a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) and not the more stringent Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) because it existed before the approval of the law. He explained that the company is producing 20,000 cases of coke 8 oz. and 16,000 cases coke litro but was not able to indicate the production volume reflected in the CNC.
In summary, I am puzzled why the report concluded that: “ ... in terms of BOD loading ... pollution load from the residents ... is higher compared to the pollution load introduced by ... Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc.” He blamed the complaining community of the foul odor coming from Dungon Creek while insisting that Coke-Iloilo Plant has complied with the effluent standard set by law.
It is admitted that the company complies with the standards set for effluent but it did not elaborate if such is allowed to be drained to a receiving water body that is basically dead. This segment of Dungon Creek has no other source of water except when it rains. The water that flow through it comes from liquid industrial waste of Coke-Iloilo Plant and from the few households directly draining to it.
Further the report states: “Concentration of BOD in the existing body of water will continue to increase if the natural flow of this waste water is hampered by the uncontrolled and indiscriminate dumping of solid waste materials from the local residents of the said locality.” I would like to emphasize that while it is true that there are solid wastes found in the creek but the stagnant water is not caused by this solid waste but by the concrete structure that was constructed higher than the natural floor of the creek.
After the exchange of arguments, the Investigation Report was practically set aside and a more pro-active stand prevailed. Dr. Guillergan sustained that Dungon Creek is basically dead and that there is no process of dilution of the effluent at the creek. The existing classification of this creek is Class “C” but it was also entertained that it could be reclassified to Class “D” given the foul odor emanating from it. With this, the existing effluent standard of Coca Cola Iloilo Plant is not qualified to be drained into it according to Dr. Guillergan.
The Technical Conference was adjourned with the following written commitments from Cola Bottling Company, Inc Iloilo Plant:
1.Coke-Iloilo Plant shall redirect its effluent ( industrial liquid waste/waste water) from Dungon Creek to Jaro River on or before February 25, 2010;
2.It shall assist and support in the rehabilitation of Dungon Creek in terms of financial and manpower aspects;
3.The LGU, in coordination with the other stakeholders and Coke-Iloilo Plant to come-up with rehabilitation plan/program on or before March 15, 2011.
I am extending my utmost appreciation to the Coke management composed of Joel EC Cabalfin, Bernard F. Engada, Kim D. Majam and Fernando P. Fernandez who attended the conference for their pro-active stand in resolving the issue and the complaint raised against them. To the project affected people, continue to be vigilant, actively participate and cooperate in the drafting and implementation of the rehabilitation plan/program. Help Save Dungon Creek! We all know that the final resolution and implementation of the above commitments are not easy. What we need is the sincere commitment to protect and enhance the rehabilitation of our environment.
On the other hand, the Regional Director of the Department of Health Region 6 until now slept of the people’s complaint filed in his office on December 16, 2010. Probably, he is not aware or has not read the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees which provides that officials and employees have to answer letters from the public within 15 days upon receipt thereof stating their action on the matter.
Anyway, the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas is ready to act on complaints on behaviours like this and impose the appropriate disciplinary action. (For your comments reaction email to frontpage.news@yahoo.com)
